Getting Help from the Feds

Federal funding for renewable energy products essentially comes in two forms: grants and tax exemptions. These are typically targeted more towards businesses and cooperatives than individuals, but many of them do not exclude individuals.

Under federal guidelines, one of the most central concepts to understand is what is legal jargonny referred to as a “qualified energy property.” Notably, these do include small wind and solar projects, so long as you are the owner of the property or the lessee with permission from the owner. To be sure you qualify, consider contacting the Department of Energy at (877) 337-3463 or checking out their website here.

Notably, in July 2009, the Department of the Treasury released it’s guidelines for the renewable energy portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Under its guidance documents and application, there is currently (as of three days following the release of the information) no reason to believe that an individual cannot apply for these grants. Information on the grants can be found here. Importantly, the grant program allows for properties defined as “small wind” and “solar” to get a grant for 30% of the cost.

Here’s my brief summary of programs as I have found them. If you know of more, please contact me to let me know and I’ll try to get as much worthwhile information up on the website as possible.

Grants

1. Renewable Energy Grants
2. Tribal Energy Programs
3. Rural Development Grants (focused more on cooperatives than individuals)

Loans and Tax Exemptions

1. Energy Efficiency Mortgages
2. Rural Development Loan Guarantee (same program as the third grant above)
3. Personal Tax Exemption (up to $1500)
4. Residential Energy Efficiency Credits